Each Tuesday, I stare at a blank column. I could choose to fill this space with meaningless words or meaningful words to begin painting a beautiful masterpiece. I am so thankful that God chose meaningful over meaningless with each one of us. We just have to do one of two things. Embrace joy, love and hope OR embrace heartache, hate, and hopelessness. You get to decide. You get to choose. You get to determine if you will react or respond. Reactions are messy. They hurt. They are slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to become angry. Responses are thoughtful. Responses restore. They are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)
About 8 months ago, Whitney, Jackson and I found ourselves each staring at our own blank canvas in rural Arkansas with a bunch of colorful paints, paintbrushes and one challenge. Paint “Restored to Wholeness”…so we did. We were given a time limit of five minutes.
Are they ugly or are they beautiful?
It’s not the paintings that are in question, it is our hearts.
Consider that as you choose your words and actions this week with everyone you come in contact. Today is the anniversary of one of the most heartbreaking moments in our country 9-11. 911 are also numbers we call for help during emergency situations.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are here every moment of every day. Embrace them. Choose them with your thoughts, words and actions to restore wholeness.